None of Western Kentucky’s first six opponents last season scored more than 23 points against the Hilltoppers. Then the final seven all scored at least 27.
Part of that was undoubtedly due to a tougher schedule. WKU’s back half of the season included four Conference USA games against bowl teams, plus Southeastern Conference foe Vanderbilt and the Cure Bowl.
Still, it’s hard not to look at Evan Sayner’s season-ending injury Oct. 14 against Charlotte as a turning point for the Toppers’ defense.
The defensive tackle went down that afternoon to a knee injury against the 49ers.